Things can change over the spring, but if Berardi, Insigne and Bonaventura aren't on the squad come Euros, then Conte hasn't done his job properly. We should be midfield heavy with guys like Saponara, Bernadeschi, and Candreva playing heavy minutes in more attacking roles. Sadly, we dont have the central attackers for me to feel confident, but there's talent in the middle.
Candreva should make it. I doubt Saponara and Bernardeschi are even ready yet though. Still young players and have a huge lack of experience. I wouldn't actually feel comfortable playing Saponara with lack of experience against teams like Spain, Germany, France, etc. Berardi should be confident and ready though. Same with Insigne. Bonaventura a little less so but he still deserves a spot there.
Minutes per goal*. Pavoletti - 106 mins per goal Eder ------ 133 mins per goal Insigne --- 161 mins per goal *minimum 5 goals scored
So Bernadeschi and Saponara lack experience but Berardi is ready? Not sure what the logic is on that one... And goals per minute doesn't say much for a player like Insigne, with his playing style, attributes and the fact he plays beside Higuain. Nonetheless, he's had a phenomenal year and has grown so much as a player and leader. Its common knowledge I've been a fan of his since his Pescara days so its nice to see him realize his immense potential. Some interesting changes moving forward in Serie A. Immobile back with Torino, Spalleti back with Roma... it'll be interesting to see if and how that affects the National side.
I'm sure if you take Europa League into consideration (and why wouldn't you), Gabbiadini has more goals per minutes then Pavoletti. Because he has probably never seen them play. If anything Bernardeschi is even more ready than Berardi. He's already played in Europa League, which is a big plus for international competitions. Like you, I think all three should make the squad. I think Conte would love to take Immobile. If the latter can put a string of goals together in the second half, he has a shot at going to France.
Because its not Serie A and therefore not like for like. Gabbiadini is second on the list if I remove the 5 goal requirement.
What I mean is that Berardi has talked about going to the Euros and his dream for Italy. Bernadeschi and Saponara haven't said a word about the Euros. I am not sure if they think they are ready for that or not. The fact is we can't have too many inexperienced players. Thats too much work to do it little time. The only young player I'd take that hasn't made his debut yet is Berardi. The rest I'd wait until the world cup qualifying.
Because of course, when the Euro's come, or any international game for that matter, they'll only be playing against other Serie A based players!
I've been talking about this guy since last season while other galahs were fawning over Quags, Toni etc. Who's stupid now? Minutes per goal* Higuain -- 85 mins per goal Pavoletti - 94 mins per goal *minimum 5 goals scored & under 100 mins per goal
You, for not knowing that he was playing in Serie B 2 seasons ago (or realizing the Luca Toni tribute thread was created as a joke) You said this in September:
That doesn't even make sense. Football is football. Scoring in Europa league is in many ways even more impressive than Serie A. Players see different tatics and different styles that will acclimate them to international competitions. Your just rearranging statistics to fit your own opinions. I would surmise that Gabbiadini and Zaza have similar goals per minute if including all competitions (including Azzurri friendlies). Not to mention Paloschi. And would you still be talking about him if he goes to Napoli and plays behind Higuain or Juventus and buried on a bench behind Dybala/Manzu? If Gabbs stayed in Sampadoria last year he would of easily scored 20 goals plus (and unlike Pavoletti has legit upside and international level skill).
You could make an argument that the Europa league is more difficult than Serie A. Some might disagree especially in the early stages. But that's essentially what it boils down to. It's an argument. And that's why I left it out. Football is Football. Serie A is not however the Europa league, or the CL etc. If you don't agree make your own list. LOL. You're taking those Sarri team selections pretty hard. Pavoletti is prolific at the moment and bears watching. Gabbs and Zaza can hopefully make a move to a club where they get more opportunity and will then show their true worth.
If Pavoletti turns out to be a late bloomer ala the Legend Lucas Antonius, more power to him. Big time spoiler (Move your mouse to reveal the content) Big time spoiler (open) Big time spoiler (close) Gabb plays for Napoli and has mostly been sub/understudy to Higuain, which is not a bad situation to be in developmentally as he'll either stay hungry and continue to improve, or fail. Either way, at this point in time he's already been consistent in A for more than 1.5 years. Don't you watch your own advertised team play? Don't worry, you don't need to answer.
i hope Pavoletti gets called for the next batch of friendlies...seeing as our strikers are not solid 100% locks. The more and more i watch of him i like... his finishing abilities remind me of Gilardino
Top 4 Italians Minutes per goal Serie A only*. Pavoletti - 103 mins per goal Eder ------ 137 mins per goal Insigne --- 160 mins per goal Giaccherini 173 mins per goal *minimum 5 goals scored Berardi (3 goals only) - 326 mins per goal